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New Delhi: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since Israel launched strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities, followed by a subsequent ceasefire between the two countries. The 12-day hostilities between Tehran and Tel Aviv saw strikes and counter strikes.
Khamenei took part in a religious ceremony at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque marking Ashura as worshippers marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, an important date for Shia Muslims. Dressed in black, the octogenarian leader was greeted by supporters chanting slogans like "The blood in our veins for our leader!"
The development is important amid speculations about his whereabouts, health, and security. He had been absent from public view throughout the war and only issued pre-recorded messages during the conflict. Iranian officials later confirmed his absence was due to security concerns amid heightened tensions.
Security was visibly tight at the ceremony, which was attended by top Iranian officials, including the Parliament speaker. Khamenei did not make any public statement during the ceremony.
The 12-day conflict saw Israel attacking Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. Tel Aviv also targeted Tehran's high-ranking officials such as military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran claimed that over 900 people were killed in the attacks, while its retaliatory attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 28 people. It was the first largescale military conflict between the two nations after decades of shadow conflict.
The United States also bombed Iran's nuclear sites, escalating the tensions in the region. Iran retaliated by attacking the US military base in Qatar. In the aftermath of the attack on its nuclear sites, Iran suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) and blocked inspectors from accessing nuclear facilities. It is still not clear as to how much damage was done to Iran's nuclear programme or if sensitive materials were moved before the strikes.
In his last public message Khamenei in a pre-recorded message on June 26 said that Iran had delivered a "slap to America’s face" by targeting a US base in Qatar. His claim was mocked by US President Donald Trump.
